Martial Arts Striking Target System

ABSTRACT

A target board for martial art practice may include a flexible striking portion to be struck by a first user, a handle portion connected to the flexible striking portion to be held by a second user and a hollow cylinder which extends through the handle portion.

PRIORITY

The present invention claims priority under 35 USC section 119 based upon a provisional application with a Ser. No. 61/818, 439 which was filed on May 1, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of sports and fitness equipment. More particularly, the present invention is a target for practicing the use of martial arts techniques.

BACKGROUND

For decades now, people have enjoyed learning recreational martial arts for a number of reasons ranging from physical well-being or fitness to self-defense. Many martial arts use hand and foot techniques as well as employ other weapons with which they can train to defend themselves. Those who train in martial arts often will use a hand-held or mounted target to practice striking techniques.

Other targets have the following drawbacks:

First, prior art targets were not flexible in nature. This may lead to injuries when a training partner hits a target and the force against the target is transferred into the arm of the holder.

Second, prior art targets have not been designed in a way that allows younger students to grasp successfully. Not only are most targets large or heavy and cumbers some, but difficult to grasp by children.

Third, prior art targets did not also allow the target to be held easily at any angle by the training partner.

Fourth, prior art targets have not given the user the ability to train on their own by easily mounting the target to a rope, line, or pole.

Fifth, prior art targets did not give the user the ability to practice timing training being able to slide the target back and forth on a line or rope.

Sixth, prior art targets have not had the ability to be mounted to a heavy bag.

Seventh, prior art targets did not allow pushups, sit-ups, and strength training exercises to be performed using one system.

SUMMARY

A target board for martial art practice may include a flexible striking portion to be struck by a first user, a handle portion connected to the flexible striking portion to be held by a second user and a hollow cylinder which extends through the handle portion.

The hollow cylinder may be mounted with straps.

The handle portion may include a notch to define a pair of opposed extending arms.

The extending arms may be connected to a handle member.

The hollow cylinder may extend through the handle member and the extending arms.

The cord may extend through the hollow cylinder.

The cord may be a line.

The cord may be a rope.

The target board may be mounted on a vertical shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 a-d illustrates the build/shape of target board;

FIG. 2 a-g illustrates an alternate shape/build of target board;

FIG. 3 a-b illustrates the target board being supported by ropes or lines, or a pole;

FIG. 4 illustrates the target board being supported by 2 ropes or lines between heavy bags or other stable options;

FIG. 5 illustrates the target board being mounted on pole with a base;

FIG. 6 illustrates a stake for training outside used with pole;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a back view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A target board 100 which meets the aforementioned needs and other objects is disclosed. The martial arts striking target board 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 a may be flexible or rigid and may include a top surface 101 and opposed bottom surface 103 and a peripheral side surface 105 which may connect the top surface 101 and the bottom surface 103. The target board 100 may include a side aperture 107 which may extend through the target boards 100 between the peripheral side surfaces 105. In addition, the target board 100 may include a half circle aperture 109 which may be an half oval or other appropriate shape to define a padded hand-held holder with a flexible striking surface 113 attached with a protective cover for the practice of punching, kicking and other striking skills with or without a training partner. When held by a partner, the target board 100 can be struck from a variety of angles allowing mobility of movement and a variety of strikes to the target board 100 by the training partner. The target board 100 can be easily held by children.

FIG. 1 a illustrates a hollow cylinder 115 at a first position to be inserted into the side aperture 107, and FIG. 1 b illustrates that the hollow cylinder 115 in a second position has been inserted into the side aperture 107 to allow the target board 100 to be mounted on the rope, chain or pole.

The martial arts striking target board 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 b may be flexible or rigid and may include a top surface 101 and opposed bottom surface 103 and a peripheral side surface 105 which may connect the top surface 101 and the bottom surface 103. The target board 100 may include a side aperture 107 which may extend through the target boards 100 between the peripheral side surfaces 105. In addition, the target board 100 may include a half circle aperture 109 which may be an half oval or other appropriate shape to define a padded hand-held holder with a flexible striking surface 113 attached with a protective cover for the practice of punching, kicking and other striking skills with or without a training partner.

FIG. 1 c illustrates a front view of the target board 100 and illustrates the hollow cylinder 115, the top surface 101, the bottom surface 103 and the side surface 107.

FIG. 1 d illustrates a side view of the target board 100 and illustrates the hollow cylinder 115, the top surface 101, the bottom surface 103 and the side surface 107.

While the holder 111 may be formed from plastic or foam for being light-weight, safe, and cost-effective, another suitable material may be used in place of plastic or foam. While an opening/aperture 109 for holding in the hand of partner is used, more or less suitable types of openings/apertures 109 may be used.

The target board 100 may be used as a single target board 100, or the target board 100 may be combined with other target boards 100 to form a target board system of multiple target boards 100 of the same or different designs in different configurations.

The target board 100 may be mounted on a pole, rope, or line and will spin when struck giving the user feedback. Elastic Bands (not shown in FIG. 1) may be added around the target and attached to the line, rope, or pole via clips or attachment hardware.

The pole and target boards 100 can be mounted on a ground stake for the use of outdoor training.

The present invention may store supplies including the target boards 100, poles and water bags, and hardware in the target base 117 as illustrated in FIG. 5.

The present invention produces a martial arts striking target board 100 which is strong enough to withstand repetitive use by martial arts practitioners.

The present invention produces a martial arts striking target board 100 which reduces shock to the holder's body.

The present invention produces a martial arts striking target board 100 which enables younger martial arts practitioners to grasp the product more easily.

The present invention produces a martial arts striking target board 100 which enables the training partner to position the striking surface 113 above, below, to the right, to the left, and at any position in relation to the hand-held holder 111.

The present invention produces a martial arts striking target board 100 which is highly portable in nature.

The present invention produces a martial arts striking target board 100 that gives the user the ability to train on their own by easily mounting the target board 100 to a rope, line, or pole.

The present invention produces a martial arts striking target board 100 that gives the user the ability to practice timing training by sliding the target board 100 back and forth on a line or rope.

The present invention produces a martial arts striking target board 100 that can be mounted to a heavy bag.

The present invention produces a martial arts striking target system where the poles, targets, water bags, and hardware be stored and kept in the base 117.

The martial arts striking target board 200 as illustrated in FIG. 2 c may be flexible or rigid and may include a top surface 201 and opposed bottom surface 203 and a peripheral side surface 205 which may connect the top surface 201 and the bottom surface 203. The peripheral side surface 205 may include a notch 206 to cooperate with a handle member 207 to allow the user to hold the target board 200.

FIG. 2 b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the target board 200 and illustrates that a hollow cylinder/tube 215 may extend through the target board 200 in order to cooperate with a rope or pole. The hollow cylinder 215 may be positioned adjacent to the peripheral side surface 205 and may be held against the peripheral side surface 205 by opposing straps 227. The straps 227 may be fastened by glue or other appropriate material to the target board 200 and covered by a covering to form the top surface 201, the bottom surface 203 and the peripheral side surface 205.

FIG. 2 a illustrates the tube 215 and the straps 227.

FIG. 2 d illustrates a top view of the target board 200 which may include the top surface 201, the bottom surface 203 the side surface 205, and the notch 202. The notch 202 may define two extending arms 221 to cooperate with the handle member 207.

FIG. 2 e illustrates a top view of the handle member 207, and FIG. 2 f illustrates a side view of the handle member 207 and illustrates a central aperture 223 to cooperate with the handle member 207 and the cylinder 215.

FIG. 2 g illustrates a side view of the target board 200 and illustrates the cylinder 215.

FIG. 3 a illustrates the target board 200 being connected together and mounted on a flexible cord 301 which may be a rope or line and which may extend through the cylinder 215, and the flexible cord 301 may terminate in a pair of opposing handles 303 in order to control the flexible cord 301. A multitude of target boards 200 may be placed on the flexible cord 301.

FIG. 3 b illustrates the target board 100 being connected together and mounted on the flexible cord 301 which may be a rope or line which may extend through the cylinder 115. A multitude of target boards 100 may be placed on the flexible cord 301.

FIG. 4 illustrates a target board 100 and a target board 200 mounted on a flexible cord 301 which may be connected to a pair of opposing support stands 401.

FIG. 5 illustrates the target board 100 and the target board 200 mounted on a vertical shaft 601, and the target board 100 and the target board 200 are positioned in a spaced relationship with a spacer 603 positioned between the target board 100 and the target board 200. The vertical shaft 601 may be mounted into a base 117. The base 107 may include a base top surface 603, a base bottom surface 605 opposed to the base top surface 603 and positioned on a support surface (not shown), a pair of opposing side surfaces 607 to connect the base top surface 603 to the base bottom surface 605, a front surface 609 and a back surface 611. The front surface 609 may include a substantially vertical surface 613 and an inclined surface 615. The side surface 607 may include a drain 617, and the top surface 603 may support a weight 619 which may be a container of water to stabilize the base 117. The vertical surface 613 may include louvers 619 to support the feet of users, and the inclined surface 615 may include an area for the hands of the user for push-ups.

FIG. 6 illustrates the target board 100 and the target board 200 mounted on a vertical shaft 601, and the target board 100 and the target board 200 are positioned in a spaced relationship with a spacer 603 positioned between the target board 100 and the target board 200. The vertical shaft 601 may be mounted into a base 117. The vertical shaft 601 may include an L-shaped member 611 to be used to mount either the target board 100 or the target board 200.

FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of the vertical shaft 601 which may include a rotation sleeve 703 which may mount on the vertical shaft 601 to rotate on the vertical shaft 601 either forward or backwards and may return to the original position. The rotation sleeve 703 may include a mounting arm 705 which may extend axially from the rotation sleeve 703. In addition, FIG. 7 illustrates a target board 300 which may include a pair of opposing spring arms 707 which may be embedded within the target board 300 in order to bias the target board 300 as the target board 300 is rotated either forwards or backwards in order to return the target board 300 to the original position.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the vertical shaft 601 which may include a rotation sleeve 703 which may mount on the vertical shaft 601 to rotate either forward or backwards and may return to the original position. The rotation sleeve 703 may include a mounting arm 705 which may extend axially from the rotation sleeve 703. In addition, FIG. 8 illustrates a target board 300 which may include spring arms 707 (not shown in FIG. 8) which may be embedded within the target board 300 in order to bias the target board 300 as the target board 300 is rotated either forwards or backwards in order to return the target board 300 to the original position.

FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of the vertical shaft 601 which may include a rotation sleeve 703 which may mount on the vertical shaft 601 to rotate either forward or backwards and may return to the original position. The rotation sleeve 703 may include a mounting arm 705 which may extend axially from the rotation sleeve 703. In addition, FIG. 9 illustrates a target board 300 which may include spring arms 707 (not shown in FIG. 9) which may be embedded within the target board 300 in order to bias the target board 300 as the target board 300 is rotated either forwards or backwards in order to return the target board 300 to the original position.

FIG. 9 additionally illustrates a thumbscrew 901 which may be used to adjust the vertical height of the rotation sleeve 703 and the target board 300.

FIG. 10 illustrates the rotation sleeve 703 which may mount on the vertical shaft 601 (not shown in FIG. 10) to rotate either forward or backwards and may return to the original position. The rotation sleeve 703 may include a mounting arm 705 which may extend axially from the rotation sleeve 703. In addition, FIG. 10 illustrates a target board 300 which may include spring arms 707 (not shown in FIG. 10) which may be embedded within the target board 300 in order to bias the target board 300 as the target board 300 is rotated either forwards or backwards in order to return the target board 300 to the original position.

FIG. 10 additionally illustrates a thumbscrew 901 which may be used to adjust the vertical height of the rotation sleeve 703 and the target board 300.

FIG. 11 illustrates the rotation sleeve 703 which may mount on the vertical shaft 601 (not shown in FIG. 11) to rotate either forward or backwards and may return to the original position. The rotation sleeve 703 may include a mounting arm 705 which may extend axially from the rotation sleeve 703.

FIG. 11 additionally illustrates a thumbscrew 901 which may be used to adjust the vertical height of the rotation sleeve 703 and the target board 300.

FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of the vertical shaft 601 which may include a rotation sleeve 703 which may mount on the vertical shaft 601 to rotate either forward or backwards and may return to the original position. The rotation sleeve 703 may include a mounting arm 705 which may extend axially from the rotation sleeve 703. In addition, FIG. 12 illustrates a target board 300 which may include spring arms 707 which may be embedded within the target board 300 in order to bias the target board 300 as the target board 300 is rotated either forwards or backwards in order to return the target board 300 to the original position.

FIG. 13 illustrates a rotation sleeve 703 which may mount on the vertical shaft 601 to rotate either forward or backwards and may return to the original position. The rotation sleeve 703 may include a mounting arm 705 which may extend axially from the rotation sleeve 703. In addition, FIG. 13 illustrates a target board 300 which may include spring arms 707 which may be embedded within the target board 300 in order to bias the target board 300 as the target board 300 is rotated either forwards or backwards in order to return the target board 300 to the original position.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. 

1) A target board for martial art practice, comprising: a flexible striking portion to be struck by a first user; a handle portion connected to the flexible striking portion to be held by a second user; a hollow cylinder which extends through the handle portion. 2) A target board for martial art practice as in claim 1, wherein the hollow cylinder is mounted with straps. 3) A target board for martial art practice as in claim 1, wherein the handle portion includes a notch to define a pair of opposed extending arms. 4) A target board for martial art practice as in claim 3, wherein the extending arms are connected to a handle member. 5) A target board for martial art practice as in claim 4, wherein name hollow cylinder extends through the handle member and the extending arms. 6) A target board for martial art practice as in claim 1, wherein a cord extends through the hollow cylinder. 7) A target board for martial art practice as in claim 6, wherein the cord is a line. 8) A target board for martial art practice as in claim 6, wherein the cord is a rope. 9) A target board for martial art practice as in claim 1, wherein the target board is mounted on a vertical shaft. 